CMA CGM Announcement: Customer Advisory - USMX-ILA Bargaining and Contract Update

From CMA CGM - 

In an effort to keep you informed about ongoing labor negotiations, the following information includes the latest on the status of the discussions between the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) and the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA). As we approach the contract deadline at the end of this month, we know that there will be increasing attention on negotiations. However, we understand how pivotal this situation is for your business and want to continue to make sure you have accurate information and are aware of all efforts to reach a new agreement to avoid a strike.

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

USMX remains committed to resuming negotiations with the ILA on a new Master Contract, however, despite continued outreach to ILA leadership, they still have been unable to secure a meeting.

On September 4-5, the ILA convened its Wage Scale delegates in Teaneck, NJ, to discuss its contract demands and to prepare for the possibility of a strike when our current agreement expires on September 30. At the start of its meetings, the ILA released a video directed to its members, which included a number of messages that strongly signaled it has no interest in bargaining and has already made the decision to call a strike. The meetings concluded with the ILA releasing a statement claiming unanimous support from Wage Scale delegates for an October 1 strike if there is not a new agreement in place.

The ILA has yet to share its current contract demands with USMX or reach out to schedule a bargaining session.

PUBLIC UPDATE

In order to keep the public and stakeholders informed about the latest developments, USMX continues to provide regular negotiations updates on its website found here. The most recent update, published on September 5, reiterated the key points from its current offer, including industry leading wage increases and the retention of existing technology language, which we believe demonstrates USMX’s willingness to reach a new deal with the ILA.

Should any disruptions occur, CMA CGM is ready, willing and able to provide our customers with solutions and alternate modalities to keep supply chains moving as best as possible to meet your needs. Please stay in close contact with your CMA CGM representative so that we can better serve you.